Lee’s Eight Shutout Innings Helps Give Phillies First Win of 2013

The Phillies will not finish the season 0-162! The Phillies avoided the sweep with their 2-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Cliff Lee pitched extremely well in his first appearance of the season. Lee fanned eight batters in as many innings. Lee only surrendered two hits and did not walk a batter. After poor outings by Cole Hamels and Roy Halladay to start the season, the rotation needed a strong outing from a starter.

Run support for Lee was an issue in 2012, but the offense was able to produce just enough runs for Lee tonight. The Phillies scored both runs via small ball. Ben Revere grounded out to drive in a run in the second inning. A few batters later, Chase Utley brought home another run on a sacrifice fly to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead. The Phillies did have a couple hard-hit balls, but Thursday’s weather benefited hitters and kept the ball in the yard. It would have been nice to score some more runs, but Lee did dominate.

Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his first save of the season, and to secure Lee’s victory. Lee’s first win in 2012 wasn’t until July. It only took one game for him to get his first win in 2013.

The Phillies get their first win and return to Philadelphia on a positive note. The Phillies will take on the Kansas City Royals for the home opener tomorrow. The home crowd will be excited to have the Phillies back in town.